Following the beginning of a tough preseason and regular season consisting of unruly weather and the loss of players to injury, the Tartans dominated their first OCCAC challenge over the weekend against rivals Owens Community College, Head Coach Steve Dintaman knew this was exactly what the team needed to boost morale.
“They were very resilient and they competed very well under pressure,” Dintaman said.
The Tartan Pride started off hot offensively, with players Matt Sullivan and AJ Kruzel delivering quality batting that gave the team a good plate appearance rating, that was above average at .700.
“Everybody stepped up when they needed to,” Dintaman said.
With further contribution of hits and exceptional pitching from players Austin Downing and Jonathan Lowe, Stephen Holland and “fireman” Scott Haag, the Tartans displayed an attitude that Dintaman has defined clearly as, “a never-say-die mentality.”
The Tartans were able to win three out of four games in the series, which puts the Tartans’ record at 12-7 on the season and 3-1 in the OCCAC.
While looking toward the rest of the season, Dintaman still holds strong with the team’s expectations. “Every conference game is important and we’re going to defend our title,” Dintaman said.
The men’s baseball team continues their run for the conference title at home vs. Ashland University JV on Thursday, April 4 in Ashland, Ohio.
Their next home game will take place on Tuesday, April 16 vs. Vincennes University at 4 p.m.